《"La Terrasse Noire"》


 Chapter One; The Girl From School

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    The loud pang of our school''s bell distracts me from my thoughts. Ah, it''s time to go home.I hadn''t really been paying attention in class today, too. Well, it doesn''t really matter, my grades are decent as is.


    ¡­But that''s just it.Decent. Average. Normal.It''s been worrying me, recently. I''m nothing special. Just another face in the crowd. It''s gotten me this far, sure, but what about next year?What about when I finally start college?Eventually, my lack of interests might have a consequence. What should I do when I have to pick a major?


    I pick up my bag silently, tuning out everyone''s cheerful chatter and mindlessly leave the classroom.Maybe I should pick up a hobby or something?I''ve already tried to differentiate myself from the other people in my class with my hair. Long, rose pink locks are trapped in two big pigtails on my head.Although, a new hairstyle isn''t really enough¡­


    Idly, I walk back home through a peaceful part of my town, a lovely spot with a nice view of the river running through it. But, I''m not particularly sure how to go about being unique.Maybe I should try harder with my original idea and change my looks even more? Dye my hair, perhaps?I could even try altering my school uniform a little bit. I''ve heard our school in particular is fairly lenient on their dress code policies, so maybe that''s the route to go down?


    Although, there''s probably no point in such a basic change, is there¡­? People probably won''t notice if I did something minor like different socks, and I''m not exactly bold enough to do something bigger.Maybe-


    My mindless thoughts are shaken off by a sudden collision. After being stuck in my thoughts, I can''t particularly tell which one of us is responsible for it, but I bumped into someone without even realizing they were in the way. I look up and cautiously assess them, focusing on their expression.


    They''re a man, and a quite beautiful one at that. Lightly curled and well cared for blonde hairs practically shine like a gold bar, even with the limited sunlight this cloudy day provides. His cyan eyes are practically smiling on their own, even without the gentle smirk his lips wear. His attractiveness throws me off, leaving me not too sure what to say. The man seems to assume I''m just shy after a beat, and pats my head a little.


    "Watch out, okay? It''d be a shame if your pretty hair got ruined!"


    I nod awkwardly and try to rush off without responding, but something catches my eye. It seems we''re outside of a caf¨¦ right now, which is nothing special on its own, really. This part of town is so beautiful, it wouldn''t be a surprise to find out there''s 20 caf¨¦s here. But, what really draws my attention is a small poster taped carelessly on the glass window. A note reading ''Now hiring!'', clearly handwritten. The man, now behind me, must have noticed my attention on the sign, because he lets out a little laugh.


    "I wouldn''t work here, if I were you. The boss is sooo greedy she can''t even list how much they''re offering for the job."


    I hesitate for a moment, thinking about my previous dilemma. A part time job might give me a chance to test my options, right? I could probably get a better idea for a future job if I''ve worked one already¡­


    "Do you work here?"


    "Hmm? Are you interested in me~?" He teases with a small wink. "Well, if you''re seriously thinking about working here, I could show you around, but¡­"


    The man trails off a little, lost in thought. He contemplates for just a moment more, before shrugging.


    "Well, c''mon! I promise to keep things short n sweet!"


    He reassures me and nabs my hand, gently tugging me in the small, silent caf¨¦. It smells pleasant, like scented candles, and the soft sun shining in leaves behind a gentle warmth in the air. After a tiresome day at school, a place like this could easily put me to sleep.


    "Nice, right? Although, the small kitchen where I work doesn''t have as nice of a view outside, we''re only looking for another waiter so you wouldn''t have to worry about it!"


    I nod shyly. Despite his jokes about the low pay, he seems to be very passionate about how much he likes it here. Maybe he''s proud of his work? Or maybe the other people who work here are fun to work with? Hedoesstrike me as the sort to goof off during work.


    "Do a lot of people come here? It''s strange you''d only just be opening now."


    "We used to be open during the daytime, but our only full-time waiter quit. Until we can replace her, we just have to wait until our part time one gets out of school for the day."


    How strange. A cafe can''t really survive off of the few night owls drinking coffee so late in the afternoon. They probably won''t want me then, since I''ve got school, too¡­


    "You''re a student too, right? In all honesty, you might still be able to get hired despite that ''cause I''m such a darn good cook! Even though we''re technically a caf¨¦, a lot of people come here to have the food and snacks we sell, so maybe we''ll just transition to an afternoon and weekend only place now."


    "Wouldn''t that just make the boss less money? I thought you said she was greedy?"


    "She is, which is exactly why she might do it! You''d be surprised to learn just how little of a profit can be made in the middle of the day. I think she''d been considering this for a while, since most of our customers work during the day."


    Maybe this is a good idea after all¡­? I can''t really tell, but it might be fun if I give it a shot. It sounds like the cook knows the customers pretty well.It could end up as a way to make a few connections...Although jobs that require connections all sound boring. Maybe I''ll decide after I meet the place''s boss?


    Suddenly, the man starts muttering a little countdown under his breath. As if on queue, the second he says zero under his breath, a girl wearing the same school uniform as me, albeit modified a bit, bursts into the caf¨¦. Her hair is short and a very pale shade, tea green, but beautiful and well cared for. In contrast, her eyes are dark, almost black, and very angry. Without even paying me any mind, she instantly focuses her rage on the man giving me a tour.


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    "Leo you stupid bastard! Why did you lock the door behind you again?! You know I can hardly unlock it while I''m carrying my damn bag with me!"


    The man, who I assume now is Leo, just laughs lightly in response.


    "I''m so glad you can be so energetic, even so late in the day like this! What a passionate kid, it''s a shame you''re such a little brat, hmm?"


    His smugness sets the girl off a little, as she responds by slamming the caf¨¦ door shut. Loudly. But, that''s all she does, aside from a few quiet profanities under her breath. She stomps off into the back.Or, tries to. Leo stops her for a second to ask,


    "Isn''t Vera gonna be here soon? Shouldn''t you just leave the door open for her?"


    "She wasn''t even in class today. She either skipped or she''s sick. Either way, she''s not coming at the same time as me today."


    And with that, she shuts a door behind her, possibly to change into uniform. Leo refocuses his attention on my confused expression, and gives me a sympathetic look.


    "She''s the part-time waiter I was talking about earlier. Her name is Aroha. She has the same uniform as you, right? Do you happen to know her?"


    "I think¡­ she might have a class in common with me? Her face seems familiar, but I''m not sure."


    "Ah, then I guess I''ll have to explain. She has a little temper, but she''s not a bad kid. We just like to tease her. She''s been hoping to steal a job in the kitchen for a while, but she''s got a long way to go before she can beat me!"


    He seems to only be half joking.Now I''m, admittedly, kind of curious to try what he makes.Maybe I can get something before I leave? I might as well make the trip worthwhile, even if I don''t end up taking the job. But, I''m also curious about that girl.I didn''t want to make her look bad in front of her co-worker, but I swear I''ve seen her in a fight before¡­


    "What sort of foods do you sell here?"


    His eyes seem to light up at the mention of his cooking, and he visibly has to hold himself back from listing their whole menu off.I envy the sort of excitement he seems to have for his work.


    "We have a little bit of everything! Cookies, cake, sandwiches, even some fish! We''ve been leaning into a more restaurant style menu ''cause of what I mentioned earlier. Next thing you know, I''ll get to make steaks here!"


    "Could I try something?"


    "Weeeell, it may be a little before opening time, but how could I possibly turn down such a cutie!"


    I avert eye contact as Leo drags me to a glass counter, showing off a few things that I assume are from the previous day.


    "There''s not too much out yet, since I came in late. Boring appointments, y''know? But don''t worry, all this stuff is perfectly fine to keep out for a few days! I can even make something fresh if you''re fine with waiting."


    My eyes wander the display case. There''s quite a few varieties of cookies and a few scattered cupcakes. Macaron flavors are given their own mini display setups in the case, too, next to tiny personal pies. What ultimately catches my eye are the brownies, with colorful decorations covering them.They seem popular, given how there''s only a few left. Leo nods, and puts one in a small pastry serviette, reaching it over the counter to me.


    "Thank you. How much?"


    He shakes his head a little.


    "Don''t worry about it! I''d just have to throw them away to clear up space after I finish the next batch, anyway."


    I mutter a quiet word of appreciation before taking a small bite off it. It''s, admittedly, not as good cold, but I''d be lying if I said it wasn''t delicious regardless. They''re filled with a delicious, thick cream, and the melty fudge frosting is a perfect contrast to it. There''s a few nuts on top, adding a satisfying bite to the whole thing. Even after swallowing, my mouth instantly starts watering in anticipation of the next bite. I''ve never had a brownie so delicious before.I can hardly imagine how good it must''ve been freshly baked.He''s definitely proven himself to not be all bark. I can practically taste all the painstaking effort that went into making it with just a single bite.


    "So? How was it?!"


    He looks like a proud child showing off something he drew to his mom, so excited for praise. Only, a child could never accomplish such an amazing feat.


    "I''ve never had such a good brownie before. Thank you."


    I keep light on the praise since I''m not exactly a food critic. I''m not capable of describing it that well, but that doesn''t stop Leo from making a very proud expression in return. He comes back around the counter to presumably continue our tour, but Aroha pops out from changing to ask,


    "So, is she the new waiter?"


    "Maybe! She took interest in our little poster, so I decided to give her a tour."


    She walks up to me, examining my outfit for a minute.


    "You''re from ¨¦rable High, right?"


    "I am. Ah, I haven''t introduced myself¡­ I''m Marisol. Thank you for your hospitality."


    She stares for a few moments before sighing. A hint of frustration in her voice, she responds,


    "Aroha. Good luck, I guess."


    ¡­and she walks off, seemingly losing all interest in me immediately. She goes and unlocks the front door, flipping a sign around to say ''open'', and shoots Leo an impatient glance, silently warning him to hurry up and get to work. He ignores it, next taking me back into the kitchen. It''s simple and cute, just as comfortable as the rest of the place, despite customers not coming back here. The designer must''ve cared a lot about the theme. Leo lets me glance around for a moment before explaining,


    "You''d probably have to come back here to deliver orders, occasionally. We usually don''t get many purchases for sweets, since we charge extra for unmade stuff, but some stuff aren''t made unless ordered. Might as well know the layout so you don''t bump into me, y''know?"


    I mutter in agreement, taking a nervous bite from the brownie. He chuckles awkwardly, then suddenly, seemingly out of nowhere, he makes a serious expression, although his big eyes make it hard to take it too seriously.


    "Marisol, please take this job!"


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 Chapter Two; Taking the job

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    ---"Marisol, please take this job!"


    Leo looks very determined, holding both of my hands now. His grip is like a crab''s pincers. Although, it just confuses me really. I have to wonder,


    ---"Why? I don''t have any talent as a waiter."


    I don''t have any talents whatsoever. But it''s better to leave that part out. It might not necessarily make me look the best for a potential job saying that sort of thing out loud. Regardless, Leo looks unsatisfied with my answer.


    ---"Ahh you don''t understand! You''re so well behaved, you''d easily beat Aroha and Vera, maturity-wise, even if you combined them! They fight so much, someone to keep the peace would be just what we need!"


    He shoots me possibly the most desperate puppy dog eyes I''ve seen in my life. It almost makes me feel bad for him. Almost. I still need a little more context though. It sounds ridiculous.


    ---"If they cause trouble, why haven''t they been fired yet?"


    ---"Because the boss can''t find a replacement! I mean, look, we''ve been hunting for a new waiter for about two weeks now, it''s miserable! Firing either of them just isn''t plausible, especially without a replacement planned but we can''t find anyone who''ll work for so little! The fightings gotten sooo annoying recently, but finding a better job is such a hassle¡­"


    He waves his hands around dramatically with every word for exaggeration. Sounds rough. But, do I really want to get involved if that''s the case? I''m sure if I just looked around a bit, I could easily find a less stressful job. Especially if this boss is greedy. I''m not too concerned with making a lot of money, but it''s another thing if I have to deal with fighting for the whole time.


    ---"When does the boss come in?"


    The words practically fall out of my mouth without a second thought. When put on the spot like this, it''s difficult to fully refuse¡­ Maybe I can just take a flier for the job and pretend like I''ll be back? Then again, this place is pretty small. With two waiters, the work probably wouldn''t be so unbearable. Besides, Vera works in the kitchen. How much fighting could possibly happen? Leo strikes me as the type to exaggerate every now and then.


    ---"Soon! Probably! Sometimes she just comes in at closing, but I have a good feeling about today!"


    His eyes twinkle like stardust. I feel like he has too much faith in me. Besides, even if I agree to this job, I''m not sure I''d make a good waiter. Faking a smile for strangers is¡­ weird. Besides, working after school and the weekends would be a lot.


    ---"Is there a form I have to fill out?"


    He gives me a nod with a ''wait here'' gesture, and I can see him grab something from a small counter next to the food display case, and he hands it to me proudly.


    ---"If you have any questions about it, ask me! Take all the time you need on it."


    I nod and wander off to a comfortable window seat in the main part of the caf¨¦. Leo is¡­ strange. But it''s not really a bad thing. He seems to mean well.


    I take a pen from my school bag and begin. The form itself is pretty simple. Full name. Age. Birth date. Standard information to start out. Although the part for work history will have to stay blank.


    But, I think taking this job might not be such a bad idea. Leo is clearly skilled enough, right? Someone like that could probably get any bakery-type job he wants. Maybe he likes this place more than he lets on? Besides, it sounds like most of my co-workers would end up being classmates too. If they''re the same age as me, we might be able to get along better than Leo could? Although he looks to only be in his twenties¡­


    I''m brought back into reality by a loud clink next to my form. I glance up and see the girl from before, Aroha, setting down a glass of what seems to be pink lemonade. She''s not smiling, but I can assume this is her way of being kind regardless when she just says,


    ---"...Do your best."


    ,and walks off. Despite her back being turned, I only respond with a nod. An autopilot reaction. Talking to her seems difficult, so it''s probably fine if I don''t do it too much. I think.


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    ¡­Maybe I''m a bit unapproachable as well.


    I don''t talk enough for a job like this, do I? There''s probably a lot of people that come to caf¨¦s that seem rough to talk to. But I wouldn''t have any choice in the matter. It''d be my responsibility. Unless I want a messy firing playing with my future job possibilities¡­


    Either way, I finished the application form. It''s strange there''s a form to begin with. With how Leo spoke earlier, I wonder if the boss is just too cheap to have a website to submit resumes to? Although surely she wouldn''t be that¡­ frugal.


    I shake the thought from my mind as quickly as it entered. Thinking bad of her before I''ve met her isn''t right. I''ll let first impressions do the talking. Speaking of, I''d like to meet her soon. The afternoon is coming to a slow end as customers gently pour in, their chatter lighting up the atmosphere. It''s calming. Being surrounded by so many people just getting free from their tedious shifts at work and school, finally wounding down. Although I feel bad for Aroha. I can see that in practice, she''s definitely being stretched to her limits working this whole place alone at such a busy hour. Some customers seem visibly frustrated with it, too. As I watch her work, we briefly make eye contact for a few moments, before she gets absorbed back into the flow of things by another frustrated customer shouting for her. Her patience is visibly wearing down.


    But, admittedly, mine is too. It''s not a major inconvenience. I didn''t exactly have any specific plans for what to do when I got home. It''s why I took the scenic route to begin with. But I''ve been so conflicted since I got here. A job isn''t something you usually take on a whim, right? All these mixed feelings leave me feeling exhausted. It''s worrying. What if this is what my future job feels like, once I finish school? I''d love to ask Aroha how she ended up taking the job. Get her thoughts on these sorts of things. Since we''re about the same age, anyway. But she''s so busy, I''d probably have to wait ten minutes just for all the current customers to be dealt with. It seems the combination of foods only made when ordered, along with the snacks on display, leaves her running back and forth between the counter and the tables. She can''t seem to strike a balance.


    Eventually I get tired of watching it. Or, tired in general. The sun''s kisses are really going to put me to sleep before the boss gets here like this¡­ I stretch a little in my seat before pulling myself up, form in hand. It asked for my phone number as well, so there''s no point in staying I think. Probably. I''ll just give it to Leo. It''d be a good chance to ask what''s so great about working here.


    Weaving through the small crowd, I find my way back into the kitchen. Leo seems a bit busy himself. Both fronts are understaffed today it seems. And with their boss missing¡­ I wonder what keeps both of them so motivated, despite it.


    Leo takes a moment to take notice of my presence with his sea of work. Despite that, he still has it in him to greet me with a smile. As if everything is fine.


    ---"Sorry, the boss isn''t here yet. Are you fine with waiting a bit longer, or do you plan on throwing in the towel?"


    ---"Could she just give me a call if she likes my application?"


    ---"She''ll want to meet with you in person eventually, before you can start. I promise you, she''s never been the punctual sort. Although it''s fine if you''d rather leave that part for another day."


    I give a silent apology and hand the form to him. He answers with unspoken sympathy, folding the form in half and sticking it in his pocket. I turn to leave, but before I can step out, I hear a high pitched crunch resound from the caf¨¦, followed by an angry shout.


    ---"Just shut the fuck up already!"


    Leo doesn''t seem nearly as phased by it as me. He turns away a little and does an over exaggerated praying motion. I can practically see a single tear fall dramatically from his eye. I could tell the person shouting was Aroha¡­ Did she finally snap on someone? Does this¡­ happen a lot??


    I don''t even have time to question it further. A resounding slap echoes just loud enough that I can hear it, even so far away. I resolve myself to take a peek out, but Leo stops me dead in my tracks.


    ---"I don''t usually like to get involved when those two fight. Let''s just watch from here."


    ¡­So this is a normal thing. I stay in the kitchen and scan through the customers until I see that familiar green hair. Standing opposite to her is a girl with charcoal black hair, with olive green highlights. Arctic blue eyes focus on Aroha. I''m quick to realize- Aroha is the one who got slapped.


    ---"Don''t order me around as if you''re any better!"


    Now that I think about it, she''s wearing the ¨¦rable uniform too, right? Maybe she''s Vera? But, wouldn''t that mean she''d have just gotten in? How can they be so fast to fight?


    It doesn''t even last long enough to matter. Aroha marches off to the back, slamming the door behind herself, and Vera scoffs.


    ---"C''mon now! Too scared to defend yourself?!"


    Leo ducks back deeper into the kitchen, motioning me to follow.


    ---"She''ll be back here in a second. She doesn''t usually start things with anyone else, I think Aroha just bothers her. Anyway, you''ll probably be fine if she doesn''t realize you were watching."


    I nod, but I think I''ve changed my mind, now. I think I''ll wait just a little bit longer after all. So long as Vera doesn''t target me, it should be fine if I¡­


    ---"Oh, waiting after all? I''ll come get you if the boss gets here!"


    He shouts back at me as I walk out. Vera gives me a curious glance as we pass each other. Seems Leo was right, she''s indifferent about me. Well, that''s for the best. I''m not strong, and fighting seems like a hassle. Quietly, I stand in front of the room Aroha ran into. I don''t know her too well, but she seems nice enough, right? Maybe I should check up on her¡­


    I''m not too nervous. She was nice earlier, anyway. Hopefully she''ll just appreciate the concern. Kindness for kindness, right? I gently push open the door, and¡­


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